Writer John Howard Griffin (1920-1980) decided to perform an experiment in order to learn from the inside out how one race could withstand the second class citizenship imposed on them by another race. Through medication, he dyed his skin dark and left his family and home in Texas to find out. The setting is the Deep South in the late 1950’s. What began as scientific research ended up changing his life in every way imaginable. When he decided the real story was in his journals, he published them, and the storm that followed is now part of American history.
As performed by Ray Childs, this first-ever recording of Black Like Me will leave each listener deeply affected. John Howard Griffin has done the impossible to bring the full effect of racism to the consciences of the America people.
Reviews
- Starred Review, KLIATT, 5/04...
This is one of the few books of social commentary that have changed the face of our country...this should be a part of the curriculum of every American high school. Childs' reading is measured and articulate, perfectly matched to the rhythms of Griffin's text.
- School Library Journal, 5/04...
" John Howard Griffin's groundbreaking and controversial [journal] ...is a mesmerizing tale of the ultimate sociological experiment. Ray Childs' narration is both straightforward and deeply satisfying. His ability to convey a full spectrum of emotions...is riveting. This recording deserves a place in every public library collection."
- Booklist, 4/04...
"Childs, an ideal narrator with impeccable pacing, uses a seemingly endless repertoire of rich tonal variations, accurate local accents, and perfect pronunciations. The subtlety of his distinctions, especially when voicing the black characters, is particularly impressive. Childs perfectly portrays the passions and moods of the era."
- Library Journal, 3/04...
"A fascinating view of life before the heyday of the Civil Rights movement...for all libraries."
- Publishers Weekly, 2/2/04...
"Griffin's...classic on race brillliantly withstands both the test of time and translation to audio format. Griffin imparts the hopelessness and despair he felt while executing his social experiment, and professional narrator [Ray] Childs renders this recounting even more immediate and emotional with his heartfelt delivery and skillful use of accents."
Digital Rights Information
OverDrive WMA Audiobook
Burn to CD:
Permitted
Transfer to device:
Permitted
Transfer to Apple® device:
Permitted
Public performance:
Not permitted
File-sharing:
Not permitted
Peer-to-peer usage:
Not permitted
All copies of this title, including those transferred to portable devices and other media, must be deleted/destroyed at the end of the lending period.
